1,2,-Heterocyclic-1,4-Benzodiazepines

ABSTRACT

Novel 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives, bearing between positions 1- and 2- a thiazolo or oxathiazepino ring, methods for their preparation and novel intermediates employed in these processes are disclosed. These 1,2-heterocyclic-1,4-benzodiazepines are useful as muscle-relaxant, anti-convulsant and sedative agents.

United States Patent [191 Coffen et al.

[ 51 Sept. 16, 1975 1,2,-HETEROCYCL1C- l ,4-

BENZODIAZEPINES [75] Inventors: David Llewellyn Coffen, Glenridge;

Rodney l. Fryer, North Caldwell. both of NJ.

[73] Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley,

[22] Filed: Aug. 28, 1974 [21] App]. No.: 501,314

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 383.362, July 27, 1973 Pat. No.

[52] U.S. Cl. 260/327 R; 260/327 [51 1 Int. Cl. C07D 515/04 [58] Field of Search 260/327 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,796.722 3/1974 Fryer et al. 260/3067 3,850,948 1 H1974 Coffen et al. 260/327 R Primary Erunziner-Norma S. Milestone Assistant ExamineP-C. M. S. Jaisle Attorney, Agent, 0i FirmSam|uel L. Welt; Bernard S. Leon; Frank P. Hoffman 5 7 1 ABSTRACT Novel 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives, bearing between positions I- and 2- a thiazolo or oxathiazepino ring, methods for their preparation and novel intermediates employed in these processes are disclosed. These LZ-heterocyelic-l ,4-benzodiazepines are useful as musele-relaxant anti-eonvulsant and sedative agents.

2 Claims, No Drawings 1,Z-HETEROCYCLIC 1.4-BENZODIAZEPINES This is a division of application Ser. No. 383,362, filed July 27, 1973, now US. Pat. No. 3,850,948, patented Nov. 26, 1974.

DETAILED DESCRIPTlON OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to novel 1,4- benzodiazepine derivatives bearing between positions 1- and 2- a sulfur containing heterocyclic ring. More particularly, this invention covers 1,4-benzodiazepines bearing a thiazolo or oxathiazepino ring between the land 2-positions. The invention further comprehends processes for making these novel benzodiazepines and novel intermediates employed in these processes.

More specifically, the compounds of the present invention are selected from the group consisting ofcompounds of the formula and of the formula wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, trifluorome thyl, nitro, cyano, lower alkoxy and lower alkylthio; R, signifies hydrogen or halogen and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

As used herein, the term lower alkyl either alone or in combination refers to straight and branched chain hydrocarbon groups-containing from 1 to 7, preferably from l to-4, carbon atoms, such as, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, butyl and the like. The term halogen" refers to all four forms thereof, i.e. bromine, chlorine, fluorine and iodine. The term lower alkoxy designates straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbo no xy groups containing from i to 7 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methoxy. ethoxy, propoxy and the like.

Preferred among the compounds falling within the scope of formula I or ll above are those wherein R signifies halogen or nitro and is located in the 7-position of the basic bcnzodiazepinc moiety, and R, is located at the ortho-position of the S-phenyl ring in the basic benzodiazepine moiety, i.e. compounds of the formula wherein R signifies halogen or nitro and R, is as de scribed above.

When the R substituent signifies halogen, chlorine is preferred, while when R, signifies halogen, chlorine and fluorine are preferred.

The most preferred of the compounds of formulae l and Il above are: 13a,4-dihydro-8-chloro-6- phenylthiazolo[ 3,2-A I- l ,4-benzodiazepin- 1 (2H )-one and l()-ehloro-3, 4,5a,6-tetrahydro-8-phenyl-lH-1,5,3- oxathiazepino[ 3,4-A l ,4-benzodiazepine.

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared as described below. Thus. the compounds of formula l above may be prepared by treating the corresponding 3H-l,4-benzodiazepine of the formula III wherein R and R are as described above with mercaptoacetic acid. The reaction between the benzodiazepine starting material of formula III and mercaptoacetic acid is preferably effected in the presence ofa nonnucleophilic inert organic solvent. Suitable solvents for this purpose include ethers. such as tetrahydrofuran. aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene. halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride. chloroform and the like. Tempera ture is not critical to this process aspect so that temperatures in the range of from room temperature to the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture can be employed. with reflux temperature being preferred.

The starting materials of formula III above are known compounds or can be prepared in analogy to the preparation of the known compounds.

In an alternate synthetic approach. the compounds of formula I above can be prepared by reacting a 2,5 epithiol .4-benzodiazepine of the formula wherein R and R are as described above with mercaptoacetic acid. The reaction conditions employed in the reaction between the compound of formula IV above and mercaptoacetic acid are the same as' those dcscribed above for the reaction of the compound of formula'lll with mercaptoacetic acid.

The compounds of formula IV above used as-the starting materials in this alternate synthetic approach to the desired end products of formula I can be prepared by bubbling hydrogen sulfide into a solution of a--benzodiazepiri'e of formula lll above. Suitable solvents-for this purpose include non-nucleophilic inert organic solvents such as ethers, for example, tetrahydrofuran. aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene. xylene, cyelohexane and the like, halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, chloroform and thelike.

The compounds of formula IV above are novel and as sueh.fo-rm part of the present invention. These compounds are not only useful as intermediates in the preparation of the compounds of formula l as described above or the compounds of formula II as described hereinafter, but are useful in themselves as sedative, muscle-relaxant and anti-convulsant agents.

In a further process aspect the compounds of formula III above may be used as the starting materials in the preparation of the desired end products of formula [1. Following this preparative approach, the compounds of formula III are first treated with Z-mercaptoethanol to yield the IZ-hydroxyethylthiO-l ,4-benzodiazepine of the formula Nx/ SCHZCHZOH v c a N wherein R and R, are as described above.

The compounds of formula V above are novel and as such form a part of the present invention. These compounds are not only useful as intermediates in the preparation of the compounds of formula ll above. but are also active themselves as muscle-relaxant. anticonvulsant and sedative agents.

The so-obtained compounds of formula V above are then reacted with aqueous formaldehyde to yield the desired end products of formula ll. The reaction between the compound of formula V above and aqueous formaldehyde is preferably effected in the presence of an inert organic solventjSuitable solvents for this purpose include ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, alkanols such as methanol. ethanol, propanol and the like and aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene. toluene. xylene and the like. Temperature is not a critical aspect to this process and thus the reaction is preferably effected at room temperature. The intermediate of formula V above used in the preparation of the formula ll compound can also be prepared by treating the 2.5- epithio-l.4-benxodiazepine of formula IV above with mercaptoethanol. The reaction between the compound of formula lV above and mercaptoethanol is preferably effected in the presence of an inert non-nucleophilic organic solvent. Suitable solvents include ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene. toluene, xylene and the like, halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride and chloroform. This reaction is expediently effected at elevated temperatures, preferably at the'reflux temperature of the reaction mixture.

The compounds of formulae I, ll, IV and V above form pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts with organic and inorganic acids. Thus the compounds of the present invention form pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts with inorganic acids such as the hydrohalic acids, for example hydrochloric acid and hydrobromic acid, and with organic acids such as tartaric acid, citric acid, camphor sulfonic acid, ethane sulfonic acid, toluene sulfonic acid, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, formic acid, acetic acid and the like.

The compounds of formula I above as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are useful as anti-convulsant agents, while the compounds of formulae I], IV and V above are useful as anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and sedative agents. Thus, the compounds of the present invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used as medicaments. For example, they can be used in the form of pharmaceutical preparations which contain them or their salts in ad-mixture with a pharmaceutical organic or inorganic carrier material which is suitable for enteral or parenteral application such as, for example. water, gelatin, lactose, starches, magnesium sterate, talc, vegetable oils, gum arabic, polyalkyleneglycols, Vaseline, etc. The pharmaceutical preparations can be prepared in solid form (e. g. as tablets, dragees, suppositories, capsules) or in liquid form (eg as solutions, suspensions or emulsions). They may be sterilized and/or contain additives such as preserving, stabilizing, wetting or emulsifying agents, salts for varying the osmotic pressure or buffers. They can also contain other therapeutically valuable substances.

The compounds of formulae I, ll, IV and V above or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be administered at dosages adjusted to individual requirements and fitted to the pharmaceutical exigencies of the situa tion. Convenient pharmaceutical dosages are in the range of from about 2 mg. to about 200 mg. per day.

The useful anticonvulsant activity of the compounds of formulae 1, II, IV and V above is shown in warm blooded animals utilizing the standard antimetrazole test. This test was carried out according to the method of Everett and Richard (J.P.E.T., 81: 402, 1944). The

ED was calculated as the dose which would prevent convulsions in 50 percent of the mice tested after administration of 125 mg/kg of pentylenetetrazole by the subcutaneous route. Following these test procedures compounds such as: 3a,4-dihydro-X-chlorobphenylthiazolo[ 3 ,2-A l ,4-bcnzodiazepin-l (2H )-one (Compound A), 7chloro-2,3-dihydro-2-(2- hydroxyethylthio )-5-phenyll H-l ,4-benzodiazepine (Compound B), l0-chloro-3,4,5a,6-tetrahydro-8- phenyll H-l ,5 ,3-oxathiazepino[ 3,4-A l ,4- benzodiazepine(Compound C), and 7-chloro -2,3,4.5- tctrahydro5-phenyl-2,5-epithio-lH-l,4- benzodiazepine (Compound D) show an ED of 137:23, 32210.35, 5.4il.0 and 6.0 mg/kg respectively, indicating that these compounds exhibit anticonvulsant activity.

The sedative and muscle relaxant activity of the compounds of formulae ll, IV and V above are shown using the standard foot shock test. In this test a pair of mice is confined under a 1 liter beaker placed on a grid which presents shock to the feet. At least five fighting episodes are elictcd in a 2 minute period. Pairs of mice are marked and pretreated 1 hour prior to a second shock. Logarithmic dose intervals are utilized up to a maximum of 10 mg/kg. At the percent blocking dose, three out of three pairs must be blocked from fighting. The measurements are made at the dose level at which l 00 percent blocking is observed and the results are expressed as the dose in mg/kg (PD which blocks the fighting response for l hour. Following these test procedures. compound B exhibited a PD of 10 mg/kg, compound C exhibited a PD,,,, of 50 mg/kg, and compound D exhibited a PD of 50 mg/kg, indicating that these compounds exhibit sedative and musclerclaxant activity.

The following examples are illustrative of the present invention. All temperatures are given in degrees Centi grade.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 7-chloro-5-( 2-fluorophenyl )-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2,5- epithiol H-l ,4benzodiazepine A mixture of manganese dioxide (General Metallic Oxides. Type No. 37) (50 g) in benzene (500 ml) was heated and stirred under reflux while collecting water in a Dean-Stark trap. After 1 hr., 7-chloro-2,3-dihydro- 5-(2-fluorophenyl)-lH-l,4-benzodiazepine (5 g) and acetic acid (17 ml) were added and stirring under reflux was continued for an additional hour. Tlc analysis of the reaction mixture at this point established that the oxidation was complete. The manganese dioxide was filtered out and washed with a l:l mixture of ethanol and methylene chloride. The combined filtrate and washings was washed with aqueous sodium carbonate solution and with water, dried and evaporated to leave an oily residue.

The residue was taken up in tetrahydrofuran (150 ml) and hydrogen sulfide gas was bubbled through the stirred solution for l V: hr The solvent was evaporated and the residue taken up in methylene chloride. decolorized with charcoal and concentrated with addition of petroleum ether until the product began to crystallize. In this manner the above-named product was obtained as pale yellow crystals, mp l24l27.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 7-chloro2,3,4,5-tctrahydro-5-phcnyl-2,S-epithiol H- l,4-benzodiazepine A stirred solution of crude 7-chloro-5-phenyl-3H- l,4-bcnzodiazepine obtained from the oxidation of 7- chloro-Z ,3-dihydro-5-phenyll H- l .4-benzodiazepine g) with manganese dioxide in THF l l.) was saturated with hydrogen sulfide gas for l /2 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the solid residue triturated with ether, filtered and washed with ether to give the above-named product as a colorless powder. Crystals from methylene chloride/ether had mp l42l44 (dec).

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 7-chloro-2.3-dihydro-2-( Z-hydroxyethylthio phenyll H-l .4-benzodiazepine l()-chloro-3 4.5a,o-tetrahydro-8-phenyll H-l 5,3- oxathiazepinol3,4-a]-1,4-benzodiazepine 7-chloro-2.3-dihydro-2-( Z-hydroxyethylthio )-5- phenyl-lH-1.4-benzodiazepine (500 mg) in THF ml) was treated with 37 percent aqueous formaldehyde solution (2 ml) and kept for 5 hours. Dilution with water while scratching induced crystallization of a yellow solid. Recrystallization from methylene chloride/cther gave the above-named product as pale yellow prisms. mp l6()l64.

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 3a.4-Dihydro-8-chl0r0-6-phenylthiazolol 3.2-a ]-l .4- benzodiazepin- 1 (2H )-one Crude 7-ehloro-5-phenyl-3H-l .4-benzodiazepine from the oxidation of 7-ehloro-2.3-dihydro-5-phenyllH-l,4-benzodiazepine g) in benzene (l l.) was treated slowly with excess mercaptoacetic acid 15 ml) and then stirred and heated under reflux for 23 hr. The cooled solution was washed with aqueous sodium carbonate. dried, evaporated, and the oily residue taken up in ether. A mixture of the abovenamed product and the bis-thiazolo compound 2-chloro-8a 9-dihydrol 3a-phenyll 3aH-bis-thiazolo-I 4.5-az3 ,2-d I l .4- benzodiazepin-6.l l (7H.l2H )-dione which is also formed during the reaction crystallized out on standing. Chromatography of this mixture on 500 g of silica gel with hexane/ethyl acetate mixtures as eluent provided after a recrystallization from methylene chloride/metham l. the desired end product named above. which is the more polar substance. This product was obtained as pale yellow crystals mp 22823().

EXAMPLE (1 Preparation of 7-chloro-2.3-dihydro-2-( Zhydroxyethylthio )5 -phenyll H- l ,4-benzodiazepine A solution of 7-chloro-2.3.4.5-tetrah dro-S-phenyl- 2.5-epithio-lH-l.4-benzodiazepinc (lg) and Z-mercaptoethanol 1 ml) in THF 15 ml) was heated under reflux overnight. The resulting solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and then diluted with ether to induce crystallization of the product. The product was filtered out and washed with ether to give the above-named compound. m.p. l35l40 (dec EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 3a.4-dihydro-8-chloro-(m-phenylthiazolo [3.2-21] l .4- benzodiazepinl 2H )-one.

A solution of 7-chloro-2.3.4.5-tetrahydro-5-phenyl- 2,5epithio-lH-l.4-benzodiazepine (500 mg) in THF was treated slowly with excess mercaptoacetic acid (0.5 ml) and stirred and heated under reflux for 16 hours. The cooled solution was washed with aqueous sodium carbonate. dried. evaporated. and the oily residue taken up in ether. The desired product was recrystallized from methylene chloride/methanol and was obtained as pale yellow crystals, m.p. 228230.

EXAMPLE 8 ('apsule Formulation Per (apsule |3 2-a |-l .4- bemodia/epin-1(2H)-one 50 mg lactose. USP mg ('orn Starch. USP 30 mg Talc. USP 5 mg Total Weight 210 mg Procedure:

1. The drug was mixed with lactose and corn starch in a suitable mixer.

2. The mixture was further blended by passing through a Fitzpatrick Comminuting machine with a N0. lA screen with knives forward.

3. The blended powder was returned to the mixer. the tale added and blended thoroughly.

4. The mixture was filled into No. 4 hard shell gelatin capsules on a Parke Davis capsulating machine.

EXAMPLE 9 ('apsule Formulation 1. The drug was mixed with the lactose and corn starch in a suitable mixer.

2. The mixer was further blended by passing through a Fitzpatrick (omminuting machine with a No. 1A screen with knives forward.

3. The blended powder was returned to the mixer. the tale added and blended thoroughly. The mixture was then filled into No. 4 hard shell gelatin capsules on a Parke Davis capsulating machine. (Any similar type machine may be used).

EXAMPLE 10 Table Formulation Total Weight Procedure:

I. The drug was mixed with the lactose, corn starch and magnesium stearate in a suitable mixer.

2. The mixture was further blended by passing through a Fitzpatrick Comminuting machine fitted with a N0. lA screen with knives forward.

3. The mixed powders were slugged on a tablet compressing machine.

4. The slugs were comminuted to a mesh size (No. 16 screen) and mixed well.

5. The tablets were compressed at a tablet weight of 100 mg using tablet punches having a diameter of approximately inch. (Tablets may be either flat or biconvex and may be scored if desired).

Procedure:

1. The drug was mixed with the lactose, corn starch and pregelatinized corn starch in a suitable size mixer.

2. The mix was passed through a Fitzpatrick Comminuting machine fitted with No. 1A screen and with knives forward.

3. The mix was returned to the mixer and moistened with water to a thick paste. The moist mass was passed through a No. 12 screen and the moist granules were dried on paper lined trays at 1 10F.

4. The dried granules were returned to the mixer. the calcium stearate was added, and mixed well.

5. The granules were compressed at a tablet weight of 200 mg using standard concave punches having a diameter of 5/16 inches.

EXAMPLE 1 2 The formulations set forth in Examples 8-1 1 above can be prepared, incorporating the following compounds as the active ingredients:

7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-2-( Z-hydroxyethylthio )-5- phenyll H- l .4-benzodiazepine and l0-chloro 3,4.5Abtetrahydro-i-phenyll H- l .5.3- OxathiazepinoI 3.4-H- l .4ben|zodiazepine.

We claim:

I. A compound of the formula wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl. trifluoromethyl. nitro. cyano, lower alkoxy and lower alkylthio; R signifies hy drogen or halogen and the pharmaceutically accepb able acid addition salts thereof.

2. The compound of claim 1 of the formula 10- chloro-3.4 5a, 6-tetrahydro-8-phenyll H] .53- oxathiazepino[ 3.4-A I l .4-benzodiazepinc. 

1. A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA
 2. The compound of claim 1 of the formula 10-chloro-3,4,5a, 6-tetrahydro-8-phenyl-1H-1,5,3-oxathiazepino(3,4-A)1,4-benzodiazepine. 